Ministry of Religion Intensifies Search for Lost Hajj Candidates in Mecca

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through the Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Team (PPIH) has intensified efforts to search for an Indonesian prospective pilgrim who was reported missing in Mecca City by conducting a thorough search in various locations, ranging from hotel areas to hospitals.

The Head of the Media Center for Hajj (MCH) of the PPIH in Saudi Arabia, Ichsan Marsha, said the Ministry of Religion handled the search process seriously, proactively, and structured since the first report was received.

"We ensure that the search process is carried out seriously, thoroughly and continues to this day," said Ichsan as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 20.

The prospective haji who is currently in search is named Muhammad Firdaus Ahlan who is included in the JKG 27 Group 1 kloter from KBIH Imam Bonjol.

As a form of protection commitment, PPIH formed a number of special teams deployed to various points, including inter-hotel areas, the area of the Grand Mosque, and major roads. Additional teams from the protection element were also deployed from Madinah to expand the search range.

In addition, officers actively checked all hospitals in Mecca and the surrounding area to ensure that Firdaus was not undergoing medical treatment.

Intensive coordination was also carried out with the Saudi Arabian Police through official reporting to maximize the search process. At the same time, PPIH officers continued to provide moral support to Firdaus' wife, who was also performing the pilgrimage in the Holy Land.

Based on surveillance camera (CCTV) footage, Firdaus was last seen leaving the hotel on Friday (15/5) at around 09.04 local time. He was wearing a white khaki shirt, black sarung and only carrying a Hajj bracelet. At the time of the incident, the hotel lobby was reported to be relatively quiet because most of the other prospective pilgrims were preparing to perform Friday prayers.

Ichsan appealed to Indonesian prospective pilgrims not to travel alone and immediately report to the nearest officer if they see or have information regarding Firdaus' whereabouts.

To maintain the focus of the search, PPIH also asked the public to support by remaining calm and not spreading unverified information to prevent hoaxes from appearing.

PPIH is committed to continuing to update the search progress to the family and the public until Firdaus is found.